Riyadh, Shawwal 29, 1438, July 23, 2017, SPA -- Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of King Salman Center Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah said that the cholera epidemic has been endemic in Yemen for many years due to the depletion of health infrastructure and poor public health standards. He added that the cases have further increased in recent months but with the great efforts carried out by concerned authorities with significant support of the center, we have seen a clear reduction in the number of cases and deaths during the past two weeks and increased healing rates. Dr. Al-Rabiah said that information must be taken from its official sources represented by the Yemeni Ministry of Health and Population in coordination with World Health Organization and UNICEF. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabiah said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not prevented any aid from entering Aden or other areas. The areas under the control of the Huthi militias are the most affected by the cholera epidemic because of prevention of access to aid by the militias. He added that if we go back more than two decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first country to support the Yemeni people and Yemen. Since May 2015, the Kingdom has provided more than $ 8.5 billion and still provides much. He said that the commercial vessels heading to the city of Hodeidah undergo a United Nations-approved inspection to ensure that no weapons are smuggled under the pretext of trade. There is no prohibition on humanitarian assistance. The Kingdom provides all facilities for humanitarian access through safe land and sea crossings. The inspection of commercial vessels is through UN resolutions. --SPA 22:07 LOCAL TIME 19:07 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w452039